The family trade

About “The family trade”

Miriam Beckstein is a successful reporter in Boston who uncovers a money-laundering scheme. When she presents her findings to her editor, she is fired and receives a death threat. She later receives a locket from her mother, who was murdered when she was an infant. The locket's knotwork pattern transports her to a parallel world where she is recognized as her mother's heir, the countess Helge Thorold-Hjorth. The six families of the Clan rule this world, blending nobility and criminal activity. Miriam becomes a target as her return threatens the claims of other clan members. She faces schemes, alliances, and dangers within her family. She is determined to navigate her new life on her own terms. The novel blends fantasy and science fiction elements, drawing comparisons to Roger Zelazny and other genre writers. It is a 2004 novel by Charles Stross.